Hello humankindness™

How Small Acts Of Kindness Can Brighten Someone’s Day

by Lauren Gaines

Do you realize how much random acts of kindness can impact another person? Even the smallest, simplest gesture can make a difference, especially when you give to someone who is going through a tough time. Take time out of your day to help or treat a person in need, and it will not only bring positivity to the recipient, but make you feel better, too.

Looking back on my childhood, a defining example of spontaneous kindness sticks in my memory. When I was 13 years old, I had scoliosis reconstructive surgery. Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine, and I had to have ten of my vertebrae fused because of this condition. I was in the hospital for over a week, and it took me about a year to fully recover. As a teenager, this was a very challenging time in my life. I was not able to get back to my regular activities right away, and I missed a month of school.

Whenever I saw my aunt during my recovery — about 30 times total over the course of a year — she gave me a small bag with a handwritten note and an adorable stuffed animal inside. Every single time, it brought a huge smile to my face. This small act of giving never failed to brighten my day and make me feel loved.

When we go through life challenges, the simplest of good deeds brings hope to our day. You may never know what your random acts of kindness do for others, but that shouldn’t discourage you from continuing to spend time and effort on showing compassion.

Think about what you could do to brighten a friend’s or family member’s day. And don’t stop there — also extend random acts of kindness for strangers, even if it takes an extra minute or two. For example, help an elderly person carry groceries, or hold the door open for a busy mom carrying two children. The kindness you give does not need to cost a thing, but it can still greatly impact someone’s day. Wouldn’t the world be a nicer place if everyone took a little bit of time out of their schedules to help others?